Prior to 1066 CE, English castles were primarily constructed from wood, particularly using the motte and bailey style. With the Norman invasion, stone castles were built, such as Rochester, Dover, and the White Tower. This shift not only improved defensive capabilities but also instilled a sense of permanence and power. Early Norman castles featured simplistic square designs, which were vulnerable to attack. Round towers were developed to counter specific weaknesses, enhancing structural integrity and defense against sieges, ultimately influencing tactics in warfare.
The first Norman castles to be built in England, including Rochester Castle, Dover Castle, and the White Tower, dominated the landscape for miles around with their great height and imposing silhouettes.
While the word we now use for the building in the center of the fortification is 'keep', the Norman word is donjon, giving us the English word 'dungeon'.
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